The animals are a source of great pleasure. It is mostly squirrels, chickadees and redpolls these days.
I'm concerned about the deer. I haven't seen any sign of them. The snow is still deep and I imagine the ones that survived the winter must be very hungry.
Are you able to spread out some food like bird seeds,nuts and "squirrel feed" that might help them find a meal (or is feeding wildlife not good for them)? Are berries or berry plants or apples and some leafy greens available for the deer? I wonder if local stores or restaurants or woodland clubs would like to help out either financially or product and service wise. I share your concern.
The squirrels put on an entertaining display of acrobatics to get their share of peanuts and seeds from the bird feeders.
It is not wise to put out food for the deer. There are a myriad of reasons, for instance, disrupting migration patterns, increasing collisions on roads and setting up a handy feeding spot for predators. Also, the digestive microorganisms present in deer stomachs in winter differ from those present in other seasons; the microorganisms glean nutrition from the woody material that is available during the winter. A deer can starve in winter with a stomach full of 'leafy greens' or be severely weakened by digestive illnesses.
Anyway, it doesn't even seem an option this year, as I've seen no sign of them. No tracks, no droppings. They manage though, year after year, oblivious to my worry. Hopefully, as the bare patches appear in the meadows, I'll be treated to the sight of a few.
This picture is what it's all about in your wilderness world. I envy your breathing in fresh air and woodland smells. He's a cute little fella too.
ReplyDeleteThe animals are a source of great pleasure. It is mostly squirrels, chickadees and redpolls these days.
DeleteI'm concerned about the deer. I haven't seen any sign of them. The snow is still deep and I imagine the ones that survived the winter must be very hungry.
Are you able to spread out some food like bird seeds,nuts and "squirrel feed" that might help them find a meal (or is feeding wildlife not good for them)? Are berries or berry plants or apples and some leafy greens available for the deer? I wonder if local stores or restaurants or woodland clubs would like to help out either financially or product and service wise. I share your concern.
ReplyDeleteThe squirrels put on an entertaining display of acrobatics to get their share of peanuts and seeds from the bird feeders.
DeleteIt is not wise to put out food for the deer. There are a myriad of reasons, for instance, disrupting migration patterns, increasing collisions on roads and setting up a handy feeding spot for predators. Also, the digestive microorganisms present in deer stomachs in winter differ from those present in other seasons; the microorganisms glean nutrition from the woody material that is available during the winter. A deer can starve in winter with a stomach full of 'leafy greens' or be severely weakened by digestive illnesses.
Anyway, it doesn't even seem an option this year, as I've seen no sign of them. No tracks, no droppings. They manage though, year after year, oblivious to my worry. Hopefully, as the bare patches appear in the meadows, I'll be treated to the sight of a few.